A properly shingled roof increases the value of your house. Roofs are not only aesthetically pleasing; they provide protection against water damage. Excessive moisture can lead to mold growth, wood rot, and damaged drywall. Shingling a roof can be an exhaustive job, especially in very hot weather. This project must be completed during a bout of dry weather, so the wooden structure of the house is not damaged by wet weather elements. Fortunately, once a roof is shingled properly, it will not need to be re-shingled for 15 to 20 years. Shingling is not a difficult task to understand, but it does require a lot of manual labor. Although you can shingle a roof by yourself, a partner will make the task easier, safer, and completed faster.
Shingling a roof is a major project that should not be taken on lightly. However, with proper tools, supplies, and a good understanding of the task, a do-it-yourself person can accomplish this project on their own. Careful attention must be paid to safety precautions; otherwise, life threatening consequences could occur.
Tips for a Successful Outcome
Take time to familiarize yourself with the overall project. Before you begin, you will need to decide whether it is best to replace individual shingles or shingle the entire roof. You must decide which type of shingles is best for the roof. Roofing shingles come in different sizes, shapes, and colors; personal preference does come in to play when selecting shingles, as do other factors. You will learn more about shingle selection below (under Shingle Selection). You will need to gather all of the necessary tools and supplies before you start the project. Always think of safety first.
Safety Precautions
Shingling a roof is a dangerous job, because the shingling occurs on top of a roof. If not careful, a person can easily misstep and fall to the ground. Falls from this height can lead to life threatening injuries. This is not a time to be careless or absentminded. Heavy lifting (stacks of shingles) can cause back injuries as well. It is vital to safe guard yourself from potential risks as much as possible. There are various forms of scaffolding that can be used to access the roof. Ladder hooks and jacks, pump jacks, and self-made footholds should be used for safety.
Other common injuries include heat stroke and accidentally dropping tools to the ground, striking an innocent passerby. Shingling a roof in the hot sun can cause dehydration rather quickly. It is very important to stay hydrated to prevent heat stroke. You may wish to take breaks in the shade every so often, and wear a hat while working. Keep people away from the area under the roof. Do not leave loose nails or other small supplies on the roof; they could cause you to slip and fall. Wear sturdy, non-skid shoes. Avoid wearing loose clothes that catch on something. Wear gloves to minimize accidents, such as hammering fingers or cutting yourself with a sharp tool. Keep a first aid kit nearby. Never touch power lines, antennas, or conduits; do not let your metal ladder come into contact with them either. If possible, have someone help you shingle the roof.
Supplies
Determine the number of shingles you need. Measure each area of the roof. To figure out the square footage of shingles needed, multiply the length of each area by the width (in feet). Then add the square feet of each area together to determine the total square feet of the roof. Divide this number by 100 to figure out how many squares of shingles to purchase. Buy an additional ten percent to use for cutting mistakes and future repairs. Follow the manufacturer’s directions to determine the best nails to use. Generally, you will need two to two and a half pounds of roofing nails per square of shingle. Usually you will use 1 ¼ to 1 ½ inch nails for the first shingling, and 1 ¾ inch for repairs. You will need about 15 pounds of roofing felt for a complete re-shingling job. Roofing cement is also required for ridges, edges, and flashings.
Shingle Selection
Compare different roofing shingles to choose the best type and grade of shingles for your project. Selection factors include: purpose of building, slope of roof, local weather conditions, design, and preference. The manufacturer will specify standard exposure information.
Replace Individual Shingles
Remove nails holding the damaged shingle in place. Remove the damaged shingle. Replace a damaged shingle with one that is similar in size and shape, for the best fit. Apply roofing cement to the back of the new shingle. Position the shingle into place, and nail it to the roof. Place nails where they are covered by the shingle above the one you are nailing down. Apply a tiny dab of roofing cement on the nail heads to guard against leaks.
How to Shingle Entire Roof
Begin at a bottom corner of the roof. You will work your way up in even rows. Space shingles evenly; each nail should be covered by the shingle in the row above the current one. Cover nail heads with a small amount of roofing cement to guard against leaks and loosening over time. Many professionals use metal flashing on the ridge and valley of the roof, which can aid in some flexibility of the roof as sections of roof shift over time.
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